I Love This Set of Razor-Sharp Camping Knives So Much That I Now Use Them at Home

I’ll admit it right from the jump: “Camping” is a very generous term for what I do al fresco. I’m delighted to rough it by day. Hike for 12 miles, get grimy and sweaty, hey, even pee in the woods — count me in. But come bedtime, I’m an indoor cat. 

Still, from morning to dusk, I adore spending time in nature far from most civilization, and that still allows plenty of time for outdoor meals. After feeling the difference when I eat real food compared to relying on protein bars or trail mix, I now consider quality fuel, and the tools to make it as essential as a first aid kit, comfortable hiking boots, an effective bug spray, SPF, and enough water. Bottom line: You won’t catch me outside without this knife set. 

Gsi Rakau Knife Set

Clocking in at less than 12 by 8 by 2 inches and weighing around 2 pounds, this kit is a breeze to tuck into my day pack alongside my essential gear and the ingredients needed for my trailside feasts. When I unzip the tan cloth pouch, I feel a bit like Mary Poppins reaching into her magical, neverending bag of tricks. Somehow, the petite kit contains a 3-piece stainless steel knife set with waterproof wooden handles, a knife sharpener to keep the surprisingly-sharp blades in fine form, a small bamboo cutting board with juice gutter to catch any drips, and a microfiber dishcloth to keep things tidy. 

I’ve used the chef’s knife to slice tomatoes for a quick Chicken Caprese-Style Bocconcini Salad (I keep rotisserie chicken and the cheese on ice to toss in when the time is right), and even used the paring knife to slice nectarines to grill and tuck inside s’mores. The bread knife comes in clutch when I bust out my baker pal’s beloved sourdough for a snack of nut butter-slathered bread.

But beyond being out in nature, this set has also come in clutch to help build cheese boards at picnics and to slice steak that pals and I grilled at a local park. But while the efficient design and each of the thoughtful components make this a worthy investment, what really blows me—and many reviewers—away is the quality of the knives. 

A knife that comes in a kit like this shouldn’t be sharp, and yet, it slices right through anything I put in its path. Plus, the weight of the knives is balanced, so they feel safe and smooth in my hand. To be honest, I’ve even started reaching for them when I’m in my kitchen. 

So yes, you can have it all: If by “it all” you happen to mean a set of knives that’s good enough to use anywhere (and I do). 

Shop More Camp Cookware at REI: 

Mountain Summit 4-Person Enamel Tableware Set

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Stanley Pour Over Set

Zempire 2-Burner Camping Stove

Kelty Galley Bag

At the time of publishing, the price was $80.